How to Get Depression Help
Depression is more than an unpleasant case of the blues, and it is treated. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can help many people. If your symptoms are serious an inpatient stay could be needed.
Medical conditions, some medications or the history of abuse of substances and genetics can all increase your risk for depression. There are certain situations that can trigger a depression episode, such as:
Speak with a psychiatrist
If you're suffering from depression it's essential to speak with your doctor. Depression is more than just being sad or depressed for a few days, and can be extremely grave if it's not dealt with. Schedule an appointment with your family physician, or visit a walk-in center if you haven't done so already. They can diagnose depression and prescribe medication, or refer you to a mental healthcare professional for more assistance.
A psychiatrist will ask you questions about your mood, and what's been going in your life. They may also perform a physical examination or order lab tests to determine if you have any health problems.
Psychologists can also prescribe a variety of drugs to treat depression, including antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs. Antidepressants balance the chemical that regulate your mood in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) boost the amount of serotonin that is present in your body, while SNRIs such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cybalta (duloxetine) assist in increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine.
When choosing a mental health professional, you should look for someone who has experience treating depression, and who has a manner of speaking and approach that makes you feel relaxed. Don't be afraid to speak with many psychologists or psychiatrists until you find one that you like.
Take Medications
It is common to use medication to treat depression, especially for those who suffer from moderate or severe depression. There are many different types of antidepressants. However they all work by altering neurotransmitters. A lot of people must try a few drugs before finding one that works well for them.
The most commonly used antidepressant is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). They are generally regarded as more safe and have less adverse effects than the older medications. Examples include citalopram, escitalopram paroxetine, sertraline, Zoloft and fluoxetine. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to SSRIs, but they also affect other brain receptors. SNRIs are duloxetine, venlafaxine, Pristiq, Khedezla, and levomilnacipran.
Tricyclic antidepressants are older medications still being used by a small percentage of people. They can reduce symptoms of depression quickly, but they can cause serious adverse effects. Some of the more common side effects include nausea, insomnia, sexual issues, weight gain and fatigue. Tricyclics may also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Some people require an antidepressant that can also be used in conjunction with antidepressants to treat depression. Examples include lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Valproate (Depakote, Depakote ER), and trazodone (Desyrel, Trazodone). Mood stabilizers aren't as efficient as antidepressants, but they may help certain people. They are sometimes combined with psychotherapy. Some people can avoid the symptoms of mania by taking mood stabilizers.
Change Your Diet
While medication and therapy are usually thought of as the main treatment options for depression, making some changes to your diet can also aid. Certain foods, like dark chocolate, leafy green vegetables, berries, turkey and salmon, have nutrients that are known to boost mood. Avoid processed meats and refined sugars. They can worsen symptoms of depression.
A balanced diet that is healthy should comprise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds as well as lean proteins like chicken, fish and yogurt. It is also recommended to limit added sugars, processed fats and salt. It is also important to consume sufficient fiber and drink plenty of water. According to some research foods that contain tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin) can help alleviate depression symptoms. Tryptophan is present in a variety of protein-rich foods, including eggs, poultry dairy, nuts, and poultry.
A poor diet can cause various health issues and depression is no exception. Green noticed an improvement in her mood when she changed her diet from fast food to fresh fruits and vegetables. She now eats nuts for a snack and salmon or homemade hamburgers for dinner. For dessert, she loves small dark chocolate bars. While eating healthier won't solve depression, it's a simple, self-empowering way to receive assistance while working towards recovery. It's also a safe and non-invasive alternative to medication that often come with a variety of undesirable side effects.
Exercise
Depression is more than just a bad mood. It is a serious illness that can impact your mental and physical health. Treatments include antidepressants and therapy that involves talking. Exercise is among the most effective things you can do to boost your mood. Exercise increases the levels of chemicals like serotonin dopamine and endorphins in your brain which improve your mood. holistic depression treatment , boosting strength, sleep and anxiety.
Exercise can also boost your self-esteem and aid in socializing with others. Exercise can also reduce feelings that contribute to depression, including isolation. Aerobic activities like running, swimming and walking have been proven to decrease depression symptoms. However, non-aerobic exercises, such as yoga, are also helpful.
A study published in the year 2019 collected data from all recent studies that utilized exercise to treat depressive disorders and discovered that it was just equally effective as therapy or medication on its own. It's not known why exercise works however it is possible that the changes to the brain that are triggered through exercise -- like the creation of new neurons and the development of connections between them -help to recover from depression.
The researchers recommend that primary care doctors promote exercise as an option for treating depression. It's important to keep in mind that many depressed people are sedentary and require encouragement and support to begin exercising.
Join a Support Group
A support group is an excellent place to share your experience with others. People who attend a group may be affected by an illness such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder, or they might be caring for someone suffering from one of these disorders. The advantages of a support group include social interaction with other members, opportunities to share thoughts and feelings, as well as guidance from mental health professionals who can act as facilitators.
There are forums online for those who suffer from depression or other mental illnesses. Some are open to anyone who wants to participate, while others require a formal membership process and commitment to regularly attend. Mental Health America, for instance, offers an online forum called Inspire which hosts discussions on more than 20 different mental health issues. Some online support groups are more specific, such as those for postpartum depression or people with a particular racial identity.
Ask your psychiatrist or psychologist for suggestions if you're unsure certain where to start. Also, take a look at online resources such as the ADAA's National Support Group Listing. It could take a while to locate the right group, but it's well worth trying. The members of support groups are more compassionate than family and friends and may offer a fresh perspective on your situation.
Seek Therapy
Depression can hinder your ability to tackle problems and meet the challenges of life. It can make it difficult to sleep, eat or concentrate. It can also lead to feelings of helplessness, despair and guilt. Depression can affect both men and women, regardless of their age and background. It can also cause problems in relationships. Depression can also trigger the use of alcohol and drugs to a greater extent.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is an essential component of treatment for depression. It can be conducted in person or online. Depression is among the most treatable mental health conditions. Psychotherapy can help you learn strategies to manage your symptoms. It can teach you to identify negative patterns in your thinking and behavior that contribute to depression.
A therapist can aid in understanding why you feel the way that you do and identifying factors that contribute to your depression. Different types of psychotherapy can be beneficial, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains people to challenge unhelpful patterns of thinking and to change their emotional patterns. Interpersonal therapy that is focused on issues with relationships that may be contributing to depression is another option.
You may be not sure about seeking treatment for depression because of the stigma that surrounds mental illness. However, you should be aware that depression is treatable. It is not an indication that you are weak. Many people who receive treatment for depression wish they had sought treatment earlier.